All about me

I'm the "new boy" in Sheldon, in that I've only been your councillor since 1991, i.e. more recently than my colleagues Paul Tilsley and Sue Anderson. Together we are proud to have represented Sheldon for so long, and hope Sheldon people continue to be satisfied with the service we provide.

I’m Birmingham born and bred, growing up in the Firs and Bromford area of Castle Bromwich, where my mother still lives. I did mathematics and science A-levels at King Edward’s Grammar School in Aston, before going away to University briefly. I didn’t stay long. I missed Birmingham and quickly returned, to work for the Liberal Party back in the 70s. Then for 35 years I didn’t leave Birmingham for more than two weeks at a time, and am proud of our great city!

I lived in Barrows Lane for 8 years in the 90s. My younger daughter went to Lyndon Green Junior School and both she and my elder daughter had their secondary education at Cockshut Hill. Those of you who are around or approaching 30 may know them!

During my time representing Sheldon, I have been a school governor at Lyndon Green, Mapledene and more recently at Cockshut Hill and Garretts Green Nursery. I am also a trustee of the Sheldon Schools Charity and the Birmingham International Airport Community Trust, which makes grants towards environmental projects in areas affected by aircraft noise.

At city level, I was the Liberal Democrat spokesman on Education for many years, as well as sitting on many other committees. I am proud to have defended nursery education in the early 90s, when it was under threat. I led the attack on a rationalisation policy that was being proposed and sparked instead an expansion of provision in its place. More recently I spearheaded opposition to merging Infant and Junior Schools against parents’ wishes.

in 2004 I adopted a "behind the scenes" role, hearing appeals from City Council employees who have been dismissed or who have other grievances. In 2009 I joined the West Midlands Integrated Transport Authority (Centro), where my genuine interest in, and frequent use of, public transport assists in the work of the organisation.